Leigh Ann Hines Photography

Big Ben

Spring is in the air. well, maybe drizzle. Even at o’dark-thirty in the wee hours of the morning, the city of London was a buzz with excitement. Yes, there is going to be a wedding today. Not just any wedding, but real live, true royal wedding, complete with carriages, crowns, queens, and (future) kings.

The whole week long in London has led up to this. Souvenirs, balloons, flags, candy, everything emblazoned with Will & Kate. You can’t help but think back on the wedding of Charles & Diana. I wil always remember watching that wedding with my mother on television. But this time, I’m here live and in person. If I survive the crowds.

The underground stations at Westminster and the palace were closed off and on during the morning because they had reached capacity. They didn’t have room to unload more people from the underground trains (tubes). That didnt bother me. I was on the move, walking between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, meeting people, watching the crowds, catching the procession of cars and wedding party to the Abbey and then the recession of carriages afterwards.

The underground stations at Westminster and the palace were closed off and on during the morning because they had reached capacity. They didn’t have room to unload more people from the underground trains (tubes). That didnt bother me. I was on the move, walking between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, meeting people, watching the crowds, catching the procession of cars and wedding party to the Abbey and then the recession of carriages afterwards.

The audio was broadcast over large speakers so everyone outside could hear the wedding. It was difficult to hear though. In Green ark next to Buckingham Palace they had large jumbotron screens to watch the live video broadcast. I didn’t actually get to see most of the actual wedding until later, on television.

Security opening up the roadway to Buckingham Palace

Crowds marching towards Buckingham Palace after security has opened up the roadway

By the end, I was exhausted, hungry, thirsty, and ready to sit down for a drink. Easier said than done, as the million (or however many) other people standing in entral London had the exact same thought. So, off to make my way out of the crowds and into a pub somewhere quiet. I was able to get onto an underground and headed back to Kensington. Out of the Tube station I popped ito a pub, sat, and ate a giant burger and drank a giant Strongbow. Yum. Only a few blocks walk back home. The end of a long morning over. now time to pack, rest, and head out to enjoy one final night in Londond (without a camera!).

Cheers!

If you missed it, be sure to check out the rest of my London adventure featuring music, shopping, and a royal wedding.

London Bound

An American In London

Hammer No More The Fingers @ Notting Hill Arts Club

Strummerville and Frank Turner’s 1000th gig

The Airborne Toxic Event @ Koko London

Superhero band Justice Force 5 in Camden Town

Portabello Market and Sangria

London and Royal Wedding Souvenirs

Kensington gardens and Afternoon tea at the Orangery